Tasting Menu (2013)

A Major Disappointment

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

It was watchable, but much of the time, the characters spoke English rather than Spanish, and the ending credits revealed that it was photographed in IRELAND. That was a disappointment, as I have been to various parts of Spain and they are lovely; not sure why the characters mentioned being on "The Costa Brava" if they were not there.Anyway, apart from that, it was nicely photographed, with beautiful actors, but kind of a flimsy plot. The reasons for the owner(s?) closing the place are never explained, and I would have been interested to learn more about the chef - what inspired her cooking style, how did she become interested in becoming a chef, what was her training like, etc.? Instead, there is a lot of focus on a separated couple who end up getting back together, with little explanation of their marital woes nor why they reunite. There is a very handsome boyfriend, whose motives are equally mysterious. And there is a patron who keeps using his cell phone, who is suspected of being a restaurant critic. It's unclear why anyone cares, because if the restaurant is closing anyway, what harm could possibly be done by a write-up? Would have preferred more "meat" in this movie.

With haute-cuisine as its main theme, one would expect an array of exquisite dishes being served up, and exhibited to every last mouth watering detail. Alas, there are no close up shots of delicious looking food. A highly praised restaurant is mostly so a platform that allows for the characters attending, to act and speak in an affected manner. The problem with that, is that nothing interesting or witty is being said at any point. The script veers oddly between overdone "fine" manners and low brow slapstick.Another issue is the Catalan pretentiousness in this film. It seems the film maker so desperately wants to prove that Catalans are a completely separate entity from Spain, that not a single Spanish person is to be heard or seen. Quite unrealistic if your restaurant is located in Barcelona. The tables are filled with rich Irish, American, English and Japanese customers, to which they abase themselves with no qualms. Elitism is just fine, as long as its not the Spanish rich they have to suck up to.Thirdly, the opening credits promise a special appearance by the Nancys Rubias, a popular punk-pop band in Spain (and Catalunia). When they finally appear, their performance is muted, and is substituted by some random 60s song. We see the band members bop about a few seconds, and that's it; total let down. Which sums up the general modus operandi of the film, it promises a lot and delivers very little.

Whenever you come across these kinds of group ensemble films (and there are quite a few in this 'restaurant' category), you're always making selections as to which pairs you find yourself choosing to follow, and wither or not to patiently wait and deal with others, or fast forward to those you have more desire to watch. But this one's the rare exception, because there are some you find more drawn to, but none are so off-putting you cannot stay through them. And then there's the pair of Bassols and Cornet. Obviously, they're the heart of this warm-hearted film, and to give credit to the production, they're not left on their own, to dominate and overpower it.. (although they most certainly could). Especially with her.. binged.it/ZFFLey .. she is just so stand-out alluring. The film doesn't allow confirmation as to the true range of her acting talent, but it does show a glimpse just how incredible her potential might be.. (and while her still images are beautiful, she's just so much more gorgeous on-screen).

"Tasting Menu" (2013 release from Spain; 85 min.) brings the story of various people, set against the backdrop of a fabulous tasting menu meal at the last night of business for Chaluka, a trendy restaurant whose owner and chef, a woman named Mar Vidal, has decided to close it and try something different. As the movie opens, we see Mar Vidal being interviewed on TV, with the TV host begging for a seat on that last evening (she refuses). We then get to know a slew of people, all of whom are preparing to show up for the final meal. There is Marc and Raquel, who made their reservation a year ago but since then have separated. They nevertheless decide they don't want to miss this dinner. There are a couple of Japanese guys who fly in from Tokyo, thinking of hiring Mar Vidal for her next project. There is ailing Countess Matilda, who shows up with the ashes of her deceased husband "because he didn't want to miss this". There is Walter Reilly who may or may not be a food critic. And so on. To tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.Couple of comments: first, this is the latest movie from Spanish director Roger Gual (best known for his movie "Smoking Room" a decade or so ago). Second, because there are so many main characters, this movie almost feels like an ensemble piece, or perhaps a soap opera. Will Marc and Raquel get back together? What's the story behind the Countess? Will the Japanese convince Mar Vidal to come to Tokyo? etc. etc. Third, this movie is the latest movie geared specifically towards foodies (with yet more to come--see Jon Favreau's "Chef" about to be released). We see all kinds of interesting dishes (presumably Spanish regional food from the Costa Brava, where the movie is set). Last but not least, there are some interesting acting performances, none more so than Claudia Bassols as the stunningly beautiful Raquel. Bottom line: this movie is a light-hearted romcom that thankfully doesn't take itself too seriously. The movie flew by in no time, but gets away from you like a feather quickly upon leaving the theater. A psychological drama this ain't!"Tasting Menu" opened this past weekend without any pre-release buzz or advertising at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. The matinée screening where I saw this at was not well attended, in fact I had a semi-private screening (as in: there was only 1 other person in the theater besides myself). This movie is not bad but neither is it great. If you are in the mood for something that is as yummy but fluffy as a fresh croissant straight from the oven, I'd recommend you check out "Tasting Menu", be it in the theater or on DVD/Blu-ray.